Will.i.am has got down with the youth and seen how young people are learning high-tech skills as a result of his half-a-million pounds of funding.

Will, who is also a coach on BBC1's The Voice, gave the cash to the Prince's Trust and has helped to train hundreds of teens and young adults from disadvantaged backgrounds in coding, programming, 3D printing and other skills which will help them find work.

The Black Eyed Peas hitmaker tried out an interactive instrument - made by the young people - which will feature at the Digital Revolution exhibition which is being staged at the Barbican in London until mid-September.

Will said: "I am so proud that my work with The Prince's Trust is giving young people from vulnerable backgrounds the chance to join the digital revolution and make a valuable contribution to modern society.

"Around the world I have witnessed how unemployment, a lack of education, poverty and disadvantage can permeate someone's path in life.

"I have no doubt that a kid from Brixton or Birmingham can create something that changes the world, with the Trust's help."

Among the people he met was Alex Morrison, 23, from Willesden in London who had strugged to find work for eight months.

He took a week-long course through the Trust.

He said: "This course has been amazing, and it might sound cheesy, but I actually feel better about my life now."

Will donated the sum to the Trust two years ago through his i.am angel Foundation.